5 Reasons West Coasters can’t wait for football season

With less than two months left before the start of the 2013 NFL season, West Coasters have plenty to look forward to and can’t wait for football. Whether they’re a fan of a team who performed well last season or someone looking forward to a promising year, West Coast fans–just like fans across the nation–are just chomping at the bit for preseason to start. Looking forward to 2013, each West Coast team is ready for football.

1. San Francisco 49ers have talent for another Super Bowl appearance

Despite the disappointing outcome of losing Super Bowl XLVII to the Baltimore Ravens, the 49ers continue to be one of the best teams in the entire league. With most of their talent from last season still on the roster, their top-notch defense will continue to complement the growth and development of Colin Kaepernick running the offense for his first full season as starting quarterback. For 49ers fans, another Super Bowl appearance is not only desired but expected given the high expectations for this season.

2. Seattle Seahawks only continue to get better, particularly on offense

One of the hottest teams in 2012, Seattle is once again primed for a great year this season. From a physical secondary and deafening home-crowd advantage to the team’s flourishing offense featuring the likes of second-year quarterback Russell Wilson, star running back Marshawn Lynch and newcomer Percy Harvin, there is plenty more to like about this year’s Seahawks squad. While they’ll have a difficult time supplanting the 49ers as the best team in the NFC West, the Seahawks are certainly one of the most feared teams in the NFL.

After many mediocre years with Norv Turner as head coach, the Chargers now have McCoy, the former offensive coordinator of the Denver Broncos, in charge. With a new offensive mind in San Diego, there’s hope that he will infuse some excitement into an offense that has talented players like Philip Rivers, Ryan Mathews and Antonio Gates. The Chargers also have hope in making their first playoff appearance since 2009.

4. Oakland Raiders start fresh, have another season to turn it around

The Raiders have been in full rebuild mode since hiring general manager Reggie McKenzie last offseason. While the growth has been stagnant to say the least, the team is trying to gather talent any way possible. Given their 4-12 record last year, a new season provides fans with another opportunity of hope for the loyal Silver and Black.

With Palmer now on the roster, the Cardinals now have an established quarterback who can get Larry Fitzgerald and other receivers the ball. While they’ll face tough competition in the NFC West ranks, their ascension in the division is at least more promising with Palmer than with any other quarterback over the past few seasons.

Austin Chang

Austin Chang is the Associate Editor of Sports Out West and a San Francisco Bay Area-based sports journalist. His work can also be found on Yahoo! Sports and RamsTalk. Follow him on Twitter @_austinchang.